Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
Slants out of the Split Backs 3WR personnel is a quick-hitting man beater built on double slant routes crossing the middle of the field from both sides. The X and slot receiver on the left run inside slants that converge toward the middle at a shallow depth, while the Z on the right runs a slant of his own crossing back the opposite direction, and the boundary receiver runs a quick out toward the sideline. The primary read progression starts with the near-side slant combo, working from the shallow crosser to the deep slant, then works over to the backside out route if the middle is clogged.
Defensive Reads
Watch for man coverage indicators pre-snap like corners lined up tight to the line, since man defenders have to fight through the slant traffic and often get picked or lose contain. Check linebacker depth: if the middle linebacker is sitting shallow in a hook zone, the crossing slants will be a tight window throw, so be ready to work to the backside out. Post-snap, key on any user-controlled defender flashing into the shallow crossing lanes, since a jumped slant read can result in a house call the other way. Cover 3 with a hard-flowing linebacker can undercut the shallow slant, so if you see that shell pre-snap, favor the deeper slant or the outside out route instead. Blitz-heavy fronts that bring extra rushers off the edge are actually good news for this concept since the quick timing beats most nano blitz pressure before it arrives.
Usage Tips
Get this play out fast, it is designed to beat man coverage before the pocket collapses so snap the ball and throw with anticipation. Pre-snap, look for man alignment with corners playing tight or press technique, since the slants will separate quickly against man leverage. If you see two high safeties with soft corners, hot route the outside receiver into a fade or speed out to attack the space vacated by the slant traffic. This play pairs well with Portland X-Option and Curls Read Special in the same set since both look similar pre-snap but attack zone coverage differently, keeping defenders guessing. Use this on early downs or third and short since the routes develop quickly and do not require a deep drop from the quarterback.
